Ng Man-Tat or Wu Mengda’s (吳孟達) funeral was held yesterday (Sunday, 7th March) at the Hung Hom World Funeral Home. The Hong Kong actor’s sudden passing on 27th February was due to liver cancer.
Wu’s family opened the viewing to the public, allowing them to pay tribute to the actor. The funeral was done following Christian funeral rites and the coffin was then moved to Cape Collinson, Chai Wan for cremation.
The funeral hall was decorated with white and yellow flowers and a photo of Wu Mengda was set as the centerpiece. Wreaths from various family members and friends covered the area, accompanied by heartfelt condolences. Wu’s first and current wives wreaths were placed front and centre while wreaths from other close friends like Chow Yun-fat, Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow (to name a few) filled the surrounding area.
Although the wreaths were numerous, no one was sure who would be attending the viewing in person. Many were especially curious about Stephen Chow in particular, as the duo had been close previously. When Wu was in the hospital, it was reported that Chow had not visited him in person. Instead, he had sent his sister and only asked about Tian Qiwen, Wu’s friend, about him.
The viewing began in the afternoon, with Wu’s family and friends arriving to pay their respects. Wu’s current wife and his children attended with black clothes and masks. When asked about Wu Mengda’s final resting place, his son, Wu Weilun did not deign to answer and merely continued grieving quietly. Tian Qiwen, otherwise known as Frog, arrived at about 3pm. He was asked if Stephen Chow would be attending the viewing. “I don’t know if he will come,” Tian stated. “I will be very annoyed if he comes!”
Stephen Chow (Xing Chi, 周星馳) did make his appearance in the end at 4.15pm. He attended the viewing with his sister, looking sorrowful behind his white face mask. The siblings only stayed for approximately 9 minutes before leaving, ignoring questions lobbed at them. Chow in particular kept his head down and waved a hand dismissively at the media before leaving in his car.
In addition to Chow, Andy Lau as well as Sandra Ng also dropped by to pay their respects. Lau only stayed for 25 minutes and declined to speak to the press. Ng, on the other hand, told journos that she’s been reflecting on her experience with the legendary actor. “I’ve been thinking of Man Tat every day for these past 10 days,” she said. “I’m so sad. It was so sudden. I never expected it to be so fast.”
Contrary to Tian’s callous statement, Wu Lida, Wu’s younger brother, only had good things to say about Chow. “Mr. Xing (Chow) and Da Ge (Wu Mengda) have always been very good. My brother has talked about this, he said they have always been on good terms.” He also revealed that Chow’s reaction at the viewing was understandable. “I think everyone will be very unhappy and sad,” he stated. When asked if Chow had seen Wu Mengda for the last time, Wu Lida claimed he didn’t know as he hadn’t observed the star closely.
Wu Lida was very proud of his brother, citing the numerous things he had done such as taking care of his family and being filial to his parents. “Every good friend praised him, so the family took him as an example,” he said. He also admitted that their mother had not seen Wu Mengda until his last day. “He didn’t want her to be sad when she sees him suffering,” he explained.
Wu’s younger brother added that the situation had not left him unaffected. “We never wanted to see him this way,” he said as his voice choked with tears. “But on his last day, when the hospital notified us, we had no choice but to take our mother to see him. So filial. If you don’t see your mother for the last time, it’s very regretful.”
Wu’s younger brother was very adamant, stating he did not want any unpleasant reports about Wu’s economic problems and inheritance circulating. He stated that his brother had already allocated his inheritance beforehand.
As for Wu’s last wish, Wu had apparently confided in his younger brother when he was still in the hospital. “He wants to go to Malaysia to accompany his wife and children,” Wu Lida said. In accordance with his wish, his ashes will be buried in Malaysia. Currently, he is waiting for Hou Shanyan (Wu’s current wife) to arrange the burial place as he is not familiar with Malaysia.
Sources: China Press, Facebook
